What should a family-oriented woman look for in a job?

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Most women in Singapore delay having children to avoid dilemma over family and work life. What then should you be looking for in a company?

According to the Department of Statistics Singapore, the birthrate of women in 2014 was 99,3000 with a mother’s mean age at first birth at 29 years. Fertility rates in Singapore remain low because women wish to avoid having a dilemma over their work life.

Ms Yeo Miu Ean, president of Women Empowered for Work and Mothering said that, “(Women) do not want to give their children the time or energy is that is left from work.”

So what if you’re a woman who wants to be able to strike a balance between your career and family? What are some of the things to look out for in your quest for a good work life before you decide to join an organisation?

1. Culture of trust in your work life

Being able to trust and consult one another is an absolute requirement. When there is trust, you will be able to feel safe with the people you work with. You’re likely to be more comfortable to ask questions, give constructive criticism, raise concerns or ask for help.

Billie Williamson of Ernst & Young emphasises on the importance of trust within an organisation, “With trust, flexibility can work for anyone, because at the heart of it is the belief that people will get the job done and we don’t need to monitor when and where occurs.”

If you have hopes of becoming a mother later on, what you’ll need is a company that treats you fairly, that understands the importance of fostering a sense of community and places emphasis on work life and family balance. It should also be able to empathise with you as a new mother or parent.

Two more important things to look for in a company for a good work life… on the next page!